Part 2/13:
A compelling starter for the course is a thought experiment involving a "magic box" that generates a dollar daily forever. The question posed—how much would you pay for such a box? This seemingly simple query reveals deep-seated ideas about return on investment (ROI) and time value of money, emphasizing that a dollar today holds more value than a dollar tomorrow. Understanding ROI allows individuals to compare various investment opportunities, while grasping the time value aspect informs long-term financial decision-making, as illustrated through house mortgage examples and the power of compounding interest.